Trapeze class takes Fall River native to inspiring heights

It was her fantasy as a child to run away and join the circus, but now Melissa Freitas can swing from a trapeze in her own backyard.

Freitas, 34, a Fall River native, has been taking classes at Overhead Arts in New Bedford since February of this year. Founded in 2003 by Teresa Kochis, Overhead Arts brings silks and trapeze-performing to local adults and children as young as 3.

An adjunct English professor at Bridgewater State University currently living in New Bedford, Freitas said that finding out about Overhead Arts was "a stroke of good luck."

Freitas takes yoga classes at Yoga on Union in New Bedford and saw an advertisement for aerial classes.

"I kept saying to myself, 'I'm going to do that someday,'" said Freitas, who finally decided to give Kochis a call and sign up for a class.

"I thought I was way too klutzy for aerials," Freitas said.

She started off by taking the beginner silks classes with Kochis.

"Teresa makes it look effortless," Freitas said.

Kochis has a bachelor of arts degree in visual arts and aerial dance from New York University's Gallatin School for Individualized Study. She also has trained in aerial circus arts at Carrie Heller Circus Arts and the New England Center for Circus Arts. She previously served as a coach coordinator and social circus instructor for the outreach program of Cirque du Soleil.

Intimidated at first, Freitas started off slow. She came home from her first class feeling exhausted yet exhilarated.

"I knew that this was definitely something I wanted to keep doing," she said.

As she continued with her classes, Freitas noticed a change in her body.

"I was getting stronger," she said. "It's really strange. I've never been an athletic person, but now I find myself offering to help people move boxes and carry things."

Nine months later, Freitas is in Kochis' open level aerials class. She does work with the 19-foot high silks and with the static trapeze.

"Now I'm able to tell when my body doesn't feel right during a move," Freitas said.

Each class begins with a 10-minute warm-up, a time to stretch the body to create fluidity in the movements. Under the careful eye of Kochis, students are challenged with different poses on the silks and the trapeze.

Freitas displays confidence in the air as she makes detailed movements with her feet and hands, supporting her weight as she slides down the silks.

"It took me two months to be able to let go," Freitas said.

In a move called the "Russian roll," students secure themselves with the fabric and release their arms, allowing their bodies to fall forward but stay in the air.

"All I heard was wind whipping as I fell," Freitas said.

Working with the aerial arts has helped Freitas become more confident.

"It's an amazing feeling to be able to trust yourself," she said.

Although an occasional move can cause Freitas a bit of pain, she doesn't mind.

"I wear my bruises as a badge of honor," she said.

"Melissa is spectacular," Kochis said. "Her attention to detail is excellent and her diligence will take her far."

In addition to her love for the circus arts, Freitas also is studying to become certified in Kripalu yoga. The 200-hour training class is held in Wakefield, R.I., and Freitas has a few more weekends to go before graduation.

"I hope to be able to teach yoga during my summer break from work," Freitas said. "The aerials definitely help with the way my body can move."

The Overhead Arts studio will host a spring performance next year and Kochis hopes that Freitas will be a part of it. "I'd like to," Freitas said. "I just really need to work on my stamina."

While Freitas keeps practicing her moves, Kochis is looking for new students to train.

"We want to spread the word about our business because I know a lot of people in Fall River aren't aware of us," Kochis said.

"Starting this class was one of the best things I've ever done," Freitas said. "I used to say, 'Can I? Should I?' I'm so glad I did."

More information on Overhead Arts is available at www.overheadarts.com.